Latest news with #Naxal
New Indian Express
12 hours ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Pavagada now the epicentre of dramatic transformation
BENGALURU: Once infamous for its sky-high fluoride levels and Naxal terror, one of South Karnataka's most backward taluks-Pavagada-is now the epicentre of a dramatic transformation. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will reach Pavagada by helicopter on Monday to inaugurate a twin lifeline for the region: a drinking water project and a solar power facility that could soon reclaim its spot as the largest in the world. Only a few years ago, Pavagada's groundwater was so toxic it was unfit even for brushing teeth. Fluoride levels were reportedly five times above safety limits, crippling residents with skeletal and dental fluorosis. 'We are pumping clean, treated water all the way from the Tungabhadra - over 230 km away - to make sure not a single resident here has to drink poison again,' said Karnataka Home Minister and Tumakuru District Minister Dr G Parameshwara. Madhugiri, Pavagada, and the surrounding drought-prone belt will now receive this life-saving water through a web of pipelines-an engineering feat in its own right. 'This project will permanently solve the drinking water crisis in this region,' Dr Parameshwara said, who had briefly served as MLA from Madhugiri. But water is only half the story. The Chief Minister is also set to re-inaugurate the Shakti Sthala Solar Park, which, once its final phases go live, will reclaim the title of the world's largest solar power plant. Built across 13,000 acres and first launched by Siddaramaiah in 2018, the park pays 2,300 farmers annual leases of Rs 21,000 per acre, with built-in hikes. It is not just clean energy, but green prosperity for a region once known only for red terror and barren fields. 'Not long ago, Pavagada was a hub of Naxal activity. The People's War Group had set up base camps here. Today, there is no trace of that dark past,' Dr Parameshwara said, crediting development for defeating extremism.
Deccan Herald
17 hours ago
- General
- Deccan Herald
The retreat: Tracing the decline of the Maoist movement
Operation Kagar has led to major setbacks for the Naxal movement, but for many in these forested regions, daily life remains shaped by alienation and uncertainty.
United News of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Maha DyCM addresses Legislative Council
Mumbai, July 18 (UNI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in his address to the state Legislative Council on concluding day of the monsoon session today highlighted the state government's significant initiatives in law enforcement, promotion of Marathi language and public welfare. He emphasised that the state had adopted several technology-driven measures to enhance law and order, resulting in increased conviction rates. He stated that the response time for emergency services via the 112 helpline has improved to just 7.23 minutes, and that cybercrime rates have seen a decline of 878 cases compared to 2024. There are now 50 cyber police stations and 52 cyber labs operational in Maharashtra and the state has launched a dedicated 1930 helpline for cyber complaints. Over 1,300 pirated websites have been shut down, he informed. To boost conviction rate, regional police units have been authorised to appoint private lawyers. As of May 2025, the conviction rate stands at 44.2 percent slightly below the 45 percent mark recorded in May 2024. Special courts have been established for POCSO and crimes against women, and over 20 fast-track courts are operational across the state. The state has intensified its crackdown on narcotics with over 1,400 cases registered and drugs worth over Rs 140 crore were seized. Notably, 468 individuals have been arrested in 281 MD drugs-related cases. The government has also taken strict action against Bangladeshi infiltrators, arresting over 1,000, and against Naxal elements with 28 extremists killed and 22 surrendered over the past year. UNI SP SS
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Maha Cong leaders support law, says min
Mumbai: Minister of state for home Yogesh Kadam on Thursday alleged leaders of Congress internally support the special public security bill but the party high command was against it. He claimed Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, who hails from Vidarbha, also supports the bill due to the Naxal threat in the region. "It was UPA govt that first introduced the Left Wing Extremism concept in 2006 and said urban Naxalism was spreading. Congress' present stand contradicts its earlier position," Kadam said. PTI
News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
How PM Modi's Dual Strategy Is Paving The Way For Naxal-Free India
Last Updated: The Centre decided to neutralise the armed threat through enhanced security operations and address the root causes of the insurgency through development and governance Under the astute leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, India has seen a significant reduction in Naxal-affected districts, as part of a concerted effort to combat Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). The number of districts affected by Naxalite violence has decreased from 126 in 2013 to barely 18 across seven states by 2024. Since assuming office in 2014, PM Modi has prioritised tackling the long-standing challenge of Naxal terrorism, a Left-wing extremist insurgency that has plagued India's hinterlands for decades. Rooted in socio-economic disparities and ideological extremism, Naxalism has posed a significant threat to internal security. Naxalism, inspired by Maoist ideology, emerged in the late 1960s in Naxalbari, West Bengal, as a violent movement advocating for the rights of marginalised communities. Over the decades, it, however, morphed into a dangerous insurgency, spreading across states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Bihar—often referred to as the 'Red Corridor". Naxalites exploited socio-economic grievances, targeting government institutions, security forces and infrastructure while extorting funds from local businesses and mining operations. The movement thrived in remote, forested areas where State presence was weak and poverty, lack of education and unemployment provided fertile ground for recruitment of gullible youth by Naxalites. Upon taking office, Modi recognised that a purely militaristic approach would not suffice to eradicate Naxalism. His government adopted a dual strategy—neutralising the armed threat through enhanced security operations and addressing the root causes of the insurgency through development and governance. This approach, often encapsulated in the phrase 'Vikas aur Vishwas" (Development and Trust), aimed to dismantle Naxal networks while integrating affected communities into the mainstream. One of the cornerstones of PM Modi's war against Naxal terror has been the modernisation and intensification of security operations. The Modi government bolstered the capabilities of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), state police forces and specialised units like the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA). Improving intelligence-gathering mechanisms to pre-empt Naxal attacks was prioritised. The establishment of Multi-Agency Centers (MACs) and State Multi-Agency Centers (SMACs) facilitated real-time intelligence sharing between central and state agencies. This led to more precise operations, reducing collateral damage. Remember, under the erstwhile Congress regime, Naxalism thrived as the previous Manmohan Singh regime refused to acknowledge the problem, much less dealing with it. PM Modi's approach to combating Naxalism has been novel and nuanced, never losing sight of the bigger picture. Security forces were equipped with advanced weaponry, surveillance drones and satellite imagery to navigate the dense forests of the Red Corridor. The use of technology, such as GPS-enabled tracking and night-vision equipment, gave forces a tactical edge in guerrilla warfare. The Modi government established forward operating bases (FOBs) in remote areas, disrupting Naxal supply lines and safe havens, forcing insurgents to retreat deeper into forests. In 2017, Operation SAMADHAN, a strategic framework to combat Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) was launched. The acronym SAMADHAN stands for Smart leadership, Aggressive strategy, Motivation and training, Actionable intelligence, Dashboard-based KPIs, Harnessing technology, Action plan for each theatre and No access to financing. Over 14,000 Naxalites have either been killed, arrested, or surrendered since 2014, significantly weakening the movement's operational capacity. Shah's fierce determination to uproot Naxalism has borne stellar results. PM Modi prioritised building roads, bridges and communication networks in Naxal-affected areas to improve connectivity and State presence. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) was accelerated to construct all-weather roads, connecting remote villages to markets and administrative centres. By 2023, over 12,000 kilometers of roads had been built in LWE-affected districts. Under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana and Saubhagya Scheme, the Modi government achieved near-universal electrification in Naxal-affected regions. Additionally, the BharatNet project extended high-speed internet to remote areas, enabling access to digital services, education and government schemes. The Modi government also established Ekalavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) for tribal children, offering quality education and vocational training. By 2024, over 400 EMRS were operational, benefiting thousands of students. Skill development programmes under the 'Skill India Mission' provided training in trades like agriculture, handicrafts and technology, creating alternative livelihoods for youth vulnerable to Naxal recruitment. Schemes like MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) and PM Awas Yojana (housing for all) were prioritised in LWE areas to provide employment and housing security. The government also promoted forest-based livelihoods, such as the collection and marketing of minor forest produce (MFP) through the Van Dhan Yojana, empowering tribal communities economically. The Ayushman Bharat scheme provided free healthcare to millions in Naxal-affected regions, addressing a critical grievance exploited by insurgents. Mobile medical units and health camps were deployed to deliver services in remote areas. Beyond security and development, PM Modi's strategy emphasised winning the trust of tribal communities, who form the backbone of Naxal support. The government introduced attractive surrender policies, offering financial incentives, vocational training, and protection to Naxalites who laid down arms. Since 2014, thousands of Naxalites have surrendered, with many reintegrated into society through skill development and job opportunities. The Modi administration encouraged security forces to engage in civic action programmes, such as organising sports events, medical camps and cultural festivals in tribal areas. These efforts humanised the State's presence and countered Naxal narratives of oppression. The government worked to expose the contradictions in Naxal ideology, which often exploits tribal grievances while extorting money from the same communities. Public awareness campaigns highlighted the benefits of government schemes and the futility of violence, encouraging youth to reject extremism. The Modi government's multi-faceted approach has significantly weakened the Naxal movement. The Red Corridor has shrunk considerably, with Naxal influence now limited to a few pockets in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha. Data from the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) shows a consistent decline in Naxal-related incidents, with 2023 recording the lowest number of attacks in over two decades. Civilian and security force casualties have also plummeted. Targeted operations have eliminated or arrested key Naxal leaders, disrupting command structures. For example, the 2021 killing of senior Maoist leader Milind Teltumbde in Gadchiroli was a major blow to the movement. The combination of military pressure and rehabilitation programmes has led to a surge in surrenders, with over 7,000 Naxalites laying down arms between 2014 and 2023. PM Modi's war against Naxal terror has set a new benchmark for counter-insurgency operations in India. The government's ability to combine security measures with development and outreach have yielded unprecedented results, bringing the Naxal movement to its weakest point in decades. However, the battle is not over. Empowering local institutions such as Gram Panchayats is enhancing trust and ensuring that development benefits reach the grassroots. Security operations are being conducted with greater sensitivity to avoid alienating tribal communities. Independent oversight mechanisms are helping to address allegations of human rights' abuses which were rampant under the previous Congress regime. The Modi government is also tackling the urban networks that provide ideological and logistical support to Naxalites, using a combination of law enforcement and public awareness. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India has made remarkable strides in its fight against Naxal terrorism. By blending aggressive security operations with transformative development initiatives, the government has not only weakened the insurgency but also begun to address the socio-economic factors that fuelled it. By April 2025, the number of 'most-affected districts" (those accounting for 90 per cent of LWE violence) had been reduced from 12 to 6. These districts are Bijapur, Kanker, Narayanpur, and Sukma in Chhattisgarh, West Singhbhum in Jharkhand, and Gadchiroli in Maharashtra. The number of 'districts of concern" (areas with lesser Naxal activity but still monitored) has also decreased from 17 to 6, including Dantewada, Gariaband, and Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki in Chhattisgarh, Latehar in Jharkhand, Nuapada in Odisha, and Mulugu in Telangana. By 2024, states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh had been largely cleared of Naxalism, with Maharashtra nearly free except for Gadchiroli. Naxal influence is now primarily confined to a few districts in Chhattisgarh. In Chhattisgarh, the area affected by Naxalism has reduced from 18,000 sq. km in 2014 to 8,500 sq. km by 2025, with intensified operations since the BJP government took over in late 2023. In the last year alone, 287 Naxalites were neutralised, 992 arrested, and 837 surrendered in Chhattisgarh. Between 2004-2014 and 2014-2024, Naxal violence incidents dropped by 53 per cent (from 16,463 to 7744), and deaths of security personnel and civilians decreased by 70 per cent. Significant operations, including Operation Black Forest in 2025, the neutralisation of 22 Naxalites in Bijapur and Kanker (March 2025) and 27 Naxalites, including CPI-Maoist general secretary Nambala Keshav Rao, in Narayanpur (May 2025), highlight the Modi government's targeted approach. The Modi government's strategy includes a multi-pronged approach–ruthless action against armed Naxalites, filling security vacuums with Forward Operating Bases (302 new camps in five years), development initiatives like skilling programs (Rs 495 crore for 48 Industrial Training Institutes and 61 skill development centers) and lastly, encouraging voluntary surrenders. Financial assistance under the Special Central Assistance (SCA) scheme supports infrastructure development, with Rs 30 crore for most-affected districts and Rs 10 crore for districts of concern. The path towards a Naxal-free India reflects a combination of security operations, developmental efforts and State-Centre coordination, which has particularly intensified after the BJP formed the government in Chhattisgarh in 2023. top videos View all The Modi government's decision to rid India of Naxalism by March 31, 2026, as pledged by Shah, shows that the broader focus clearly remains on sustaining development, building trust and ensuring that the benefits of progress reach the most marginalised sections of society. The war against Naxal terror is not just about defeating an armed insurgency; it is about securing India's heartland and creating a future where every citizen can thrive. Sanju Verma is an Economist, National Spokesperson of the BJP and the Bestselling Author of 'The Modi Gambit'. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. tags : Amit Shah chhattisgarh Gadchiroli Maoism Naxalism pm narendra modi view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 19, 2025, 15:28 IST News opinion Opinion | How PM Modi's Dual Strategy Is Paving The Way For Naxal-Free India Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
